August 19, 1898, The Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly
I fear I review this piece with some small measure of shame, as this work is not what one might call high-minded. On the other hand, the acting was quite good!
Flora Lawson, wife of acclaimed violinist Abraham Lawson, performs as the titular “vampiress.” Mrs. Lawson plays the role with such obvious relish and delight that it’s difficult not to be swept up in her enjoyment, whatever flaws the play’s writing might have.
I would very much like to see what Mrs. Lawson could do with a role like Lady MacBeth, or even Juliet. Her talent is such that she would certainly do the role justice, but we viewers must take what we are given, and I would be lying if I said that I failed to enjoy The Vampiress.